In the year that it celebrates a decade of helping thousands of local businesses to thrive and grow, SoGlos explores eight of the key services offered by the county's business support network, The Growth Hub Gloucestershire, from co-working and group training to one-to-one, tailored support.
Independent business advice and guidance
Having proudly provided expert advice and guidance to more than 14,000 businesses in the county, The Growth Hub Gloucestershire works with business leaders to create tailored growth plans to help you reach your goals 'quicker and smarter', whether you’re an established business, SME or start-up.
Businesses simply need to register through its website, thegrowthhub.biz, and click ‘request support’ to get the ball rolling. One of its experienced business advisors will then be in touch to arrange a ‘discovery meeting’ to explore potential pathways, unearth the unknowns and navigate your next steps together.
Knowledge-building training events
Hosted by some of the county's most dynamic business leaders, the hub offers a range of fully funded events — totalling more than 18,000 over the years — which give business owners the chance to upskill and empower themselves and their teams to overcome barriers to growth, in a supportive environment.
Group workshops and one-to-one events include familiar favourites like social media and health and safety; specialist training such as Dragon's Den-style events to practice pitching or learning how to unlock the power of AI for your business; and wellbeing events to help alleviate stress, like its popular 'Netwalking' events in Tewkesbury.
Business planning resources
The network has an ever-growing library of online resources to help business owners expand their knowledge in their own time, with thousands of factsheets, checklists, and top tips available at no cost.
And through its new website, which gives users better access to its services than ever before, the resources can be downloaded for quick and easy access on the go.
Collaborative co-working spaces
Whether you're looking for a permanent desk, a nook to nestle in, or somewhere to call home when you’re out on the road, The Growth Hub invites business owners to work alongside fellow entrepreneurs, sector specialists and industry experts at its vibrant co-working spaces.
Having welcomed more than 50,000 people across its lifespan, the network's six hubs offer a fantastic range of facilities with on-site or nearby parking, printing services, superfast Wi-Fi — along with all-important complimentary coffee!
Meeting rooms to hire
The Growth Hub also offers a range of accessible meeting spaces, from small rooms available by the hour to large rooms and flexible event spaces for hire by the day, fully equipped with Wi-Fi, state-of-the-art IT and AV equipment and on-site or nearby parking.
Whether you're holding a board meeting, presentation or product launch, the hub's hosts will be ready and waiting to welcome businesses on arrival, as well as being on hand to answer any questions you may have on the day.
Offices to rent
Businesses looking to take the next step with their working environment can rent offices across The Growth Hub network.
Coming in a range of sizes and including desks, chairs, wifi and complimentary tea and coffee, the hub's offices — more than 20 spread across the network — are designed to incubate and support new and growing businesses, surrounded by like-minded business people along with hub experts.
One-to-one mentoring
Providing invaluable guidance to owners who might be struggling to get their new business ideas off the ground, or overcome complex barriers to growth, The Growth Hub offers fully funded mentorship with experienced professionals who've 'been there, done that' — with more than 50 businesses having been supported since it began in 2014.
Using their senior experience, connections and knowledge, hub mentors aim to help new businesses transform their ideas into sustainable business plans and seasoned leaders to overcome barriers to further growth, exports, diversification and much more.
Decarbonisation and net zero support
The Growth Hub Gloucestershire offers help and advice to businesses looking to 'demystify' net zero through developing an understanding of what it means for them and how to achieve it. Its sustainability experts can help businesses through the process of carrying out a carbon audit, as well as providing practical advice on issues like waste and transport.
The hub's net zero specialists have supported more than 150 companies over the past two years, encompassing multiple industries from advanced manufacturing and professional services to creative industries and hospitality.
For more information on what The Growth Hub Gloucestershire can do for your business, or to register for support, go to thegrowthhub.biz.
